It’s standard practice for games to get updated throughout the year to fix things like bugs or prepare it for new DLC.The Sims 4routinely updates and patches the base game before the release of new expansion, game, or stuff packs, sometimes adding additional content for free. While these items can be a pleasant surprise, other times they can cause quite the controversy.
Each year has seen new improvements toThe Sims 4, and this year is no exception. In fact, 2020 brought some of the most important advancements thatThe Simsfranchise has seen in its entire 20 year history. Though there were quite a few updates this year, there were three in particular that set the stage forThe Sims 4to flourish.
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Platforms
Platforms were originally showcased inThe Sims 4: Snowy Escapegameplay trailer, and it was soon revealed that they’d be a base game update free to all players. This was exciting, as it meant players didn’t have to buy the newest expansion to get access to the advanced build feature.
Platforms introduced split-level builds toThe Simsfranchise, and it will never be the same again in the best possible way.Platforms can be used in a variety of creative waysthat add additional detail and flair to anySimsbuild. Maneuvering them can be a little frustrating at first, but once players get the hang of it, the possibilities are nearly endless.
Sentiments
This gameplay mechanic was also introduced inThe Sims 4: Snowy Escapetrailer. Players had been asking for some sort of update to the game that wasreminiscent ofThe Sims 2’s memories mechanic. The memory system fromThe Sims 2let Sims keep a working memory of good and bad moments in their life and added extra drama to the game. Players wanted to see a return of this system, as it gave extra personality to Sims as they navigated their personal relationships.
Luckily, Sentiments were added to the game in the updatebeforeSnowy Escape’s releaseand added back some of the memories that players were missing so much. Sentiments deepen Sims’ relationships with each other, either positively or negatively, and can affect their mood as well. It’s not the same asThe Sims 2, but that’s a good thing.The Sims 4sentiments help build (or destroy) relationships with every positive or negative interaction in a way that builds upon the old technology ofThe Sims 2.
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Skin Tone Updates
This was, without a doubt, the biggest update toThe Sims 4this year—possibly ever. In June, at the height of the Black Lives Matter movement and protests,The Simscommunity rallied together to askThe SimsTeamto update the skin tones in-gamefor more accurate representation. The original skin tones were criticized because as they progressively got darker, they became more ashy and pixelated, looking unappealing and, frankly, ugly.
The SimsTeam soon issued a statement and promised to work on updating the skin tones. The updates came in two waves, the first of which was supposed to fix any pixelation issues on the existing skin tones. The second came not too long ago,adding over 100 new skin tonesin a range of warm, neutral, and cool tones. While the first one hardly fixed anything, the second delighted players acrossThe Simscommunity, as people were finally able to make accurate depictions of themselves in-game.
2020 has been a wild ride of a year from start to finish, affecting everyone in ways previously unseen. However, it was also an exceptional year forThe Simscommunity who saw (literally) game changing updates to the base game. Skin tones, sentiments, and platforms have redefinedThe Sims 4and, more importantly, possibly gives a hopeful glimpse ofwhat the future ofThe Simsfranchisecould be.
The Sims 4is available now for PC, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One.
